Cassablanca Kanzashi

Tsumami kanzashi are an official traditional Japanese handicraft, where small pieces of fabric are folded into elaborate flowers to adorn hair ornaments. These decorative pieces originate in Japan's Joumon period, as far back as 14,000 BC, when thin sticks were believed to have the power to ward off evil, and were thus worn in the hair. To make these mystical hairpieces more decorative, the art of tsumami--meaning to fold or pinch--was created, with artisans utilizing the leftover scraps of kimono silk to add beautiful and intricate ornamentation.

 

There are fewer than ten classically trained tsumami kanzashi artisans remaining in the world today, but the craft has become a popular hobby even outside of Japan, keeping this beautiful art alive.  I learned to make kanzashi several years ago, and have spent most of that time trying out new designs and creative petal shapes.  I have been quite pleased with the results of my efforts, and I hope you enjoy browsing my gallery!

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If you are interested in having a custom kanzashi piece designed and crafted for you, please check out the Commissions tab in the top box.